The Solution to Local Government Is In Grooming Talent &amp; Giving Them Challenges

Samantha Smith
, ContributorEntrepreneurship and Innovation 24/7. Government and Policy Matter.Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Our nation could always use an injection of tireless, invigorated, and devoted government officials. But when government jobs are portrayed as low paying, too hectic, boring, or overly bureaucratic- how can we expect top-notch professionals to consider transitioning into a local, state, or federal position?

Offering a solution for the long haul is Fuse Corps, a non-profit devoted to recruiting and training batches of civic entrepreneurs year after year. This paid, one-year, mid-career fellowship starts with leadership training derived from collaboration with leaders at McKinsey & Company, Stanford’s d.school, Points of Light, and Little Bets Labs. Fuse Corps Fellows then enter their position in a partnership state or city where they work on a critical issue highlighted by a governor or mayor.

At Augusts’ ASPEN Ideas Festival, author and professor, Tyler Cowen said he thought the best idea in the room was Fuse Corps. There are four ingredients to the Fuse Corps recipe: sharp innovators, proper training and leadership development, a focused challenge, and dedicated support.

Fuse Corps CEO, Jennifer Anastasoff, gets it, and the conviction and energy in her voice regarding all things Fuse Corps is strong. She told me about a specific effort Fuse Corps Fellow Erika Dimmler is working on in Sacramento with Mayor Kevin Johnson that will allow for the creation of edible school gardens that will feed the students that grow them.

The fact that Erika is able to focus on detailed projects to tackle the highlighted issue of health is brilliant. The commitment to a targeted issue keeps solutions refined and allows Erika to implement multiple approaches and ideas. How often do we hear about a government employee tackling and focusing on niche, but important issues- and getting to implement their devised solutions? This is a dream come true for local government, and could very well be the outcome that proves the value of Fuse Corps in the long-term.

Fuse Corps is always looking for our nation’s top minds, people ready to step beyond their current job, professionals with their heart set on paving the way for improvement, and individuals that want to be able to thrive as a senior advisor to a mayor or governor. If you’re interested here’s everything you need to know, applications happen to be open now until Sept. 30th.

We need top minds in the public sector now and always-take advantage of this chance to become an intrapreneur in the U.S. government. Noelle, Erika, Jeremy, and Lisa, the first batch of Fuse Corps Fellows, have done incredible work over the past year. If you have any questions not answered in the above links, Noelle, Erika, Jeremy, and Lisa are standing by to answer them in the comments for you!